Seagram's to open new plant in Relay $24 million plant combines key operations.

Officials of Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Inc. are to be on hand Thursday to cut the ribbon at the opening of the company's $24 million spirit manufacturing and distribution center in Relay.

The new facility, under construction since 1989, represents a consolidation of the company's manufacturing and distribution plants in Maryland. Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, the huge New York-based subsidiary of the Seagram Co. of Canada, has owned a plant in Relay since 1934. Another Baltimore County facility, in Dundalk, was closed in 1988.

The new facility, which company officials call the largest single capital investment by a spirit company in 50 years, is next to the original Relay building. Both will be involved in various aspects of bottling, blending, warehousing and distribution.

Although completion of the new building isn't expected until 1992, 400 workers have been employed at the site for three weeks, Seagram officials said.

The plant is involved in producing 225 brands, including Seagram's 7 Crown, Calvert Extra, Four Roses Bourbon, Kessler and Lord Calvert Canadian Whiskies. Over 7 million cases will be shipped annually, officials said.